BRADFORD WHITE
40 gal. Short 4.5kW 2-Element Residential Electric Water Heater
Product Details
- Vitraglas® Lining Exclusively Engineered Enamel Formula That Provides Superior Tank Protection From The Highly Corrosive Effects Of Hot Water
- Hydro Jet® Total Performance System Is A Cold Water Inlet Sediment Reducing Device Helps Prevent Sediment Build Up In Tank
- For Professional Installation Only - To Ensure The Safety Of Its Customers And The Quality And Performance Of Its Products, Bradford White Corporation Products Should Only Be Purchased Through And Installed By Qualified Plumbing And Heating Professionals. The Contractor Or Specifying Engineer Is Responsible For Ensuring The Product Meets Local And State Codes, Standards, And Regulations
- Protective Magnesium Anode Rod That Provides Added Protection Against Corrosion For Long-Term, Trouble-Free Service
- Simultaneous And Non-Simultaneous Operation Available
- Direct Heat Transfer With Immersed Elements
- Low Restrictive Brass Drain Valve
- Fully Automatic Temperature Control
- Single Phase Or Three Phase Operation Available
- Voltages Available In 120V, 208V, 240V, 277V, 480V
Specifications
- ASME: No
- Antimicrobial: Yes
- Application: Residential
- CARB OTC LEED Compliant: No
- Capacity: 40 gal
- Diameter: 22 in
- Drain Valve Material: Brass
- ETL Listed: Yes
- End Connection 1: NPT
- End Connection 2: NPT
- End Connections: NPT
- Energy Star Compliant: No
- First Hour Rating: 49
- Fitting Size 1: 3/4 in
- Fitting Size 2: 3/4 in
- Fitting Sizes: 3/4 in
- Flow Rate: 21 gph
- GSA Approved: No
- Height: 49-7/16 in
- IAPMO Listed -: No
- Indoor Outdoor: Indoor
- Installation Type: Floor Mount
- Length: 22-22/25 in
- Lining of Tank: Vitraglas®
- Material: Fiberglass, Magnesium, Steel
- Media: Water
- NSF: NSF 372
- NSF Certified: Yes
- Number of Elements: 2
- Number of Pieces: 1 Piece
- Phase: Single Phase
- Power Source: Electric
- Pressure - High: 150
- Pressure - Maximum: 300 psi
- Pressure Class: 150#
- Product Type: Water Heating System
- UL Listed: UL 174
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF): 0.91
- Volts: 240V
- Water Connections: Top
- Water Heater Capacity Range: 30 - 40 gal
- Water Heater Type: Short
- Water Inlet Connection Size: 3/4 in
- Watts: 4.5 kW
- Weight: 114 lb
Understanding Electric Water Heater Basics
Gas vs. Electric: A Fundamental Choice, Not Just a Fuel Swap
Electric water heaters like this one work fundamentally differently from the gas models elsewhere in this catalog — rather than a burner heating the tank from below, two immersed heating elements sit directly in the water, transferring heat directly rather than through a flue and heat exchanger system. This means:
- No venting required at all — electric water heaters don't need a chimney, flue, or power-vent blower, since there's no combustion or exhaust to manage
- Simpler, more flexible installation locations — closets, interior rooms, or spaces without gas service access
- Dependent entirely on electrical service — unlike gas models with millivolt ignition backup, electric water heaters stop completely during a power outage
Why "Short" Matters for Your Installation Space
At 49-7/16" height and 22" diameter, this short-profile 40-gallon tank is specifically suited to installations with limited vertical clearance — crawlspaces, under-stair closets, or older mechanical rooms where a taller standard-height electric tank wouldn't fit. If your space has generous height but limited floor footprint instead, the 40-gallon Tall model elsewhere in this lineup may be the better fit.
Understanding 2-Element Operation
The listed "Simultaneous and Non-Simultaneous Operation" refers to how the two heating elements work together:
- Non-simultaneous (standard) — only one element heats at a time; typically the upper element heats first to quickly restore usable hot water near the top of the tank, then the lower element takes over to recover the rest
- Simultaneous — both elements can operate together for faster overall recovery, at the cost of higher peak electrical demand
This flexibility allows the water heater to be configured based on your home's electrical capacity and hot water recovery needs — our technicians can advise on which configuration suits your panel and usage patterns.
Why 4.5kW and Voltage Selection Matter
This model's 4.5kW element rating at 240V is the standard configuration for most residential installations, but the same product line is available in 120V, 208V, 240V, 277V, or 480V and single- or three-phase configurations — relevant primarily for unusual residential setups or light commercial applications. Confirming your home's electrical panel capacity and available circuit before installation is essential, since undersized electrical service can't safely support the unit's demand.
91% UEF: A Genuine Efficiency Advantage
At a 0.91 Uniform Energy Factor, this electric model is meaningfully more efficient than most gas water heaters (which typically range 0.60-0.70 UEF) — a reflection of electric resistance heating's near-total conversion of energy into heat, without the exhaust losses inherent to combustion. That said, actual operating cost depends heavily on your local electricity rates relative to gas rates, so higher efficiency doesn't automatically mean lower monthly bills — our technicians can help you compare real costs for your specific utility rates.
Antimicrobial and NSF 372 Certification
The antimicrobial designation and NSF 372 certification (low-lead compliance) reflect health and safety standards relevant to potable water systems — worth noting for customers specifically asking about water quality and safety certifications.
Is Electric Right for Your Home?
Consider this electric model if:
- Your home doesn't have gas service, or gas line extension to your water heater location is impractical
- You want to avoid venting/flue installation complexity entirely
- Your installation space has limited vertical clearance (making the "Short" profile a good fit)
- You're prioritizing higher efficiency and don't mind depending entirely on electrical service (no power outage backup)
Professional Installation Matters
Because electric water heater installation involves proper circuit sizing, dedicated electrical connections, and confirming your panel's available capacity, professional installation is essential. Our licensed electricians and plumbers will:
- Verify your electrical panel has adequate capacity for a dedicated 240V circuit
- Confirm the installation space accommodates the short-profile dimensions
- Complete water connections and electrical wiring per code
- Configure simultaneous or non-simultaneous element operation based on your needs
- Test both elements and confirm proper temperature control
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this water heater work during a power outage?
No — unlike gas models with millivolt backup ignition, this unit depends entirely on electrical power and will not function during an outage.
Do I need a special electrical panel upgrade to install this?
It depends on your existing panel capacity; our electricians will assess whether your home can support the required 240V/4.5kW circuit or whether upgrades are needed.
Is 40 gallons enough for my household with an electric water heater?
Electric water heaters generally have somewhat lower recovery rates than gas models of the same capacity, so households with high simultaneous hot water demand may want to discuss the 50-gallon electric option or a tankless alternative with our technicians.
Space-Saving Electric Performance: Reliable Hot Water for Low-Clearance Utility Spaces
When your home requires a full 40-gallon electric hot water capacity but features a cramped utility closet, low basement ceiling, or narrow alcove where a standard tall electric tank won't fit, the Bradford White 40 Gallon Short Electric Water Heater (RE2M40X6 / Equivalent) is the ultimate engineered solution. Featuring a shorter, wider footprint designed specifically for restricted installation clearances without sacrificing heating efficiency or recovery rate, this commercial-grade residential unit delivers reliable hot water for busy households. Built in the USA with Bradford White's exclusive Vitraglas® enamel tank lining, dual heavy-duty heating elements, and a robust sacrificial anode rod, it offers elite resistance to corrosion and thermal stress. Call our certified plumbing specialists at (224) 754-1984 for expert tight-space installation, emergency tank replacement, or routine maintenance:
Space-Saving Low-Profile Design: Shorter height and wider diameter allow seamless installation in low-clearance basements, closets, and tight utility corners.
Exclusive Vitraglas® Tank Lining: High-purity porcelain enamel coating fused directly to the heavy-gauge steel tank for superior protection against aggressive water corrosion.
Dual Heavy-Duty Heating Elements: Direct-immersion copper or Incoloy heating elements provide rapid thermal recovery and efficient electricity utilization.
Advanced Thermostat Control: Factory-installed surface-mounted thermostats offer accurate, reliable water temperature management with built-in high-limit safety cutoffs.
Heavy-Duty Anode Rod: High-capacity magnesium anode rod provides superior cathodic protection to extend internal tank lifespan.
Bradford White 40 Gallon Short Electric Water Heater Technical Specifications
Engineered for professional installation in restrictive residential utility spaces and low-ceiling basements:
Technical Parameter Feature & Specification Details Operational Advantage Manufacturer & Model Bradford White Residential Electric Short (RE2M40X6) Premium trade-exclusive compact residential electric water heater. Storage Capacity 40 Gallons (Compact Low-Profile Footprint) Delivers standard 40-gallon output in a shortened physical height. Heating Elements Dual 4500W / 240V (Standard configurable wattage) Provides efficient simultaneous or non-simultaneous water heating. First Hour Delivery (FHD) Up to 50 - 55 Gallons Supplies dependable hot water during peak family usage. Venting Requirements None Required (Zero emissions / Electric operation) Allows flexible indoor placement without chimneys or flues. Electrical Requirement 240V AC, Dedicated 30A Circuit with armored conduit Standard residential electric water heater electrical hookup.
Key Benefits of Upgrading to a Bradford White 40 Gallon Short Electric Water Heater
Integrating a pro-grade space-saver Bradford White electric water heater into your home infrastructure delivers immediate practical benefits:
Solves Clearance Nightmares: Fits effortlessly into awkward architectural spaces where standard tall electric water heaters simply cannot physically clear overhead pipes or low ceilings.
Trade-Quality Heavy-Duty Build: Unlike retail big-box tanks with plastic drain components, Bradford White utilizes robust brass drain valves and commercial-grade steel construction.
100% Energy Efficient Operation: Converts electrical energy directly into stored heat without any standby combustion losses or venting requirements.
Proven Long-Term Durability: Engineered to withstand harsh water chemistry and heavy daily usage, lasting 8 to 12+ years with proper professional maintenance.
Our Step-by-Step Bradford White Short Electric Installation Process
Clearance & Electrical Assessment: Measuring exact vertical clearances in your utility closet and verifying dedicated 240V circuit amperage and wire gauge.
Old Water Heater Draining & Removal: Safely shutting off electrical breaker power, draining the legacy tank, disconnecting wiring/plumbing, and hauling away the old unit.
Tank Placement & Leveling: Positioning the compact Bradford White 40-gallon short tank on a level surface with a secure drain pan and thermal expansion tank.
Electrical & Water Line Hookup: Connecting 240V wiring inside the junction box using conduit/clamps and hooking up copper/PEX water supply lines.
Commissioning & Element Testing: Filling the tank completely with water before turning on power (to prevent dry-fire element burnout), checking for leaks, and setting thermostats.
Frequently Asked Questions: Bradford White 40 Gallon Short Electric Water Heater
Q: What is the main difference between a standard tall electric water heater and a short model?
A: The primary difference is physical dimensions. A short (stubby) model is shorter in height and wider in diameter than a standard tall tank, making it specifically engineered for low-ceiling basements, closets, or under-counter spaces.
Q: Does a short 40-gallon electric water heater produce less hot water than a tall one?
A: No. It holds the exact same 40 gallons of water and uses the same standard dual 4500W heating elements, ensuring identical hot water recovery performance and heating efficiency.
Q: Why is it critical to fill an electric water heater with water before turning on the power?
A: Electric heating elements generate intense heat instantly. If the tank is empty when power is applied, the upper element will "dry fire" and burn out within seconds. Our licensed plumbers always ensure the tank is fully pressurized and bled of air before energizing.
Q: What is the average lifespan of a Bradford White short electric water heater?
A: With professional installation, proper thermal expansion control, and routine annual maintenance (such as flushing sediment and inspecting the anode rod), a Bradford White electric water heater typically lasts 8 to 12+ years.
Bradford White Corporation, headquartered in Ambler, Pennsylvania, is an American-owned and employee owned, full-line manufacturer of residential and commercial and industrial products for water heating, space heating, combination heating and storage applications. The corporation's manufacturing facilities are in Middleville, Michigan and Niles, MI, and Rochester, NH. The water heaters were patented by Gerald E White from the years 1933–1938. The company is among the largest American manufacturers of water heaters, competing with companies such as Rheem and A. O. Smith. Bradford White Corporation is made up of Bradford White Water Heaters, Bradford White – Canada, Laars Heating Systems, and Niles Steel Tank
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